Monday, May 2, 2011

Senator Scott Brown to serve in Afghanistan

GOP Sen. Scott Brown said today he will serve in Afghanistan later this year to fulfill his duties in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Brown, who is up for re-election next year, issued a statement today. He is a lieutenant colonel with the National Guard, and has served for 30 years.

I have service obligations that I fulfill each year. Following in the tradition of other lawmakers who have completed their military service requirements overseas, this year I have requested to conduct my annual training in Afghanistan. Doing so will help me to better understand our ongoing mission in that country, and provide me first-hand experience for my duties on the Senate Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs committees.

Brown came into national prominence in January 2010 when he won a surprise victory in the heavily blue Bay State to fill out the remainder of Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy's term.

Kennedy died in August 2009 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The Massachusetts Senate race is one that could help decide partisan control next year, and Democrats are targeting Brown for defeat. Brown has raised more than $7 million for his re-election and recent polls such as one by Suffolk University show a majority of voters believe he deserves a full term.